Going to paris [tourism, places of interest].................?

Question

2 Adults, one teenager interested in art, culture, architecture and having a relaxed time.
Could you suggest places to go to that are free or don't cost much mainly?

Answer 1

Paris can be expensive, but if you'd had experience in Paris you'll know that there are always exceptions to cost!

One thing that you can do and probably will want to do is purchase the 7-day metro pass which you can buy at any of the RER/METRO Gares. I think it was about 28 Euros.

This pass will also give you discounts into certain museums such as Le Musee D'Orsay, Louvre, L'Arc de Triomphe.

One of my favorite things to do (and it's very cheap) is to simply absorb Paris. You can sit at a Cafe sipping hot chocolate or walk around just taking in whats around you. Always look like you know where you're going because this will not make you stand out so much as a tourist (less pick-pocket attention)

A trip up The Eiffel Tower is always nice. I can't remember the price, but I think it's somewhere between 15 Euro - 25 Euro. (If you go all the way to the top)

Cathedrals are free to visit. You'll find simply walking the shops and exploring side streets (without getting lost) is fun and free of cost.

One of the best areas for Architecture is Paris-itself, so you will not have a lack of things to look at. Overall, minimize your food costs to purchasing a baguette and cheese. A Kebab (lamb-sandwich) is often a good staple for the everyone and their cheap. You'll know its a Kebab or Grec shop because it will usually have Turkish or Arabic on it.

I envy anyone who is able to visit Paris! If you do splurge a big and spent out of your limits you won't regret having spent that extra time and money to visit.

Answer 2

If you don't choose to take the elevator to the top then the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe are free sights.

Many of the famous churchs are still operating as churches and therefore have no entrance fee. that includes Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, St. Julien le Pauvre, and the Church of St Germain.

Also free are:

The Arc du Carousel (next to the Louvre...Napoleon's other triumphal arch)

The Place de la Concorde (where the guillotine once operated)

The Parc de Vert Galant (where Jacques DeMolay, Grand Master of the Knights Templar was burnt at the stake)

The Place Vendôme (laid out in 1702 as a monument to the glory of the armies of Louis XIV)

The July Column in the Place Bastilee (dedicated to the Revolution of 1848)

The Tuilleries Gardens (all that is left of the Tulleries Palace which was a huge royal palace just to the east of the Louvre)

The Luxembourg Gardens (the grounds of the Palace which now serves as the French Senate)

The Pere Lachaise Cemetary (everyone who was anyone is buried there)

The Place des Vosges (Henry IV built this centerpiece of the Marais in 1605)

The Pantheon (famous for its collection of tombs of great French thinkers : Rousseau, Voltaire, Hugo, Zola and Malraux)

The city of Paris owns a bunch of museums which are free or very cheap. there is a list here: http://gridskipper.com/travel/paris/free-or-cheap-paris-museums-269578.php

Also, most of the attractions which usually have fees will have one day a week on which admission is free. this includes the Louvre and Versailles. (the Eiffel tower is a notable exception because it is privately owned).

Answer 3

Just walking the streets of Paris will satisfy these needs.

It is a beautiful city that has treasures EVERYWHERE.

Any tourist map will show the main points of interest and they are pretty much all walking distance or an easy METRO ride. Trains are frequent and affordable.

I did it on a STRICT budget so it can be done. Just be prepared to WALK alot. You will love EVERY moment.

Answer 4

If you've got someone who's interested in art and culture, make sure you fit in the Musee d'Orsay (that's where the Modernist stuff is, like the Impressionists) and the Centre Pompidou (which features a lot of 20th century and contemporary artists). I don't remember them costing much.

Answer 5

other than places I already mentioned, I'd recommend the marais area. Place des vosges and Il St Louis specifically.

I'd also suggest taking a look at these video guides, which are by locals

http://www.geobeats.com/videoclips/alldestinations/france/paris

For a little off beat idea, you can check out viaduc des arts which is a beautiful area with lot of art galleries

Answer 6

River seine
Louvre
Pere Lachaise (jim morrisons grave)
Eiffel tower
Notre Dame
Moulin Rouge
La Loco Motive (if you like clubbing)

Answer 7

Porte de la Villette you will find "La cité des sciences" a very nice place for all the familly with a big park.